17. Communist control and terror (1917-41) Flashcards
Who were the 3 NKVD chiefs (1934-41)?
1934-36: Yagoda
1936-38: Yezhov
From 1938: Beria
How many people were in gulags in 1934?
1 million
What was the Shakhty show trial?
1928 trial of 53 engineers at Shakhty coal mine, accused of counter-revolutionary activity after a fall in production. 5 executed and others given long prison sentences.
What was the White Sea Canal?
A canal joining the White Sea and Baltic Sea - built 1931-32 by gulag labour. 100,000 worked on it, 25,000 died. Only 12ft in depth so useless for most shipping.
When was Bukharin re-elected to the Central Committee?
1930
What opposition groups developed in 1932?
- Old Bolsheviks: an informal group found to have debated removing Stalin. Arrested by OGPU, Smirnov expelled from party.
- Ryutin Platform: Sent the Central Committee an appeal for the removal of Stalin. 24 were expelled and Ryutin was imprisoned. Zin and Kam exiled (just for knowing about the group and not reporting it).
What was found in Nadya’s room after her suicide in 1932?
Papers from the opposition group the Ryutin Platform.
How much of the party was purged from 1933-35?
18%. Mostly new members branded as “careerists.”
What suggested that Stalin was not as strong as he appeared in 1932?
He wanted to execute Ryutin and his circle, but was overruled by the Politburo (esp. Kirov).
Why might the NKVD have orchestrated Kirov’s death?
His speech at the 17th Party Congress, advocating a moderate approach, was met with a standing ovation.
He could have been seen as a threat to Stalin (although he himself had no intention of becoming leader).
How much of the military high command were executed (in 1937)?
512 of 767
How much of the Central Committee at the 17th Party Congress were executed?
70%
How many people from minority ethnic groups were put on trial during the Yezhovshchina?
350,000
